If you are from out of state and have a valid out of state license plate than there should be no penalty for driving legally in Indiana. If instead you have moved to Indiana and have not changed over your license plate (title and registration) from your previous state to Indiana than you likely would be cited for driving without registration.

Indiana requires new residents to apply for an Indiana vehicle title and registration within 60 days of residency. A new resident must also get an Indiana Driver’s License within 60 days of moving to Indiana.

Indiana Code (IC 19-18-2-1) states:

(a) Within sixty (60) days after becoming an Indiana resident, a person must register all motor vehicles owned by the person that:
(1) are subject to the motor vehicle excise tax under IC 6-6-5; and
(2) will be operated in Indiana.

IC 19-18-2-40 notes that a person who violates this chapter of Indiana law commits a Class C infraction. It also says that a person who owns or operates or permits the operation of a vehicle required to be registered under this chapter with expired license plates commits a Class C infraction.

In Indiana a Class C infraction can come with a fine of up to $500 and court costs if you are cited for such an offense. From the IN court fine schedules we have seen a registration violation usually comes with a fine of between $90 and $120 plus court costs and fees.

You cannot get registration tags or a license plate without proof of insurance in Indiana. If you are caught driving without insurance, you will lose your license for 6 months and be required to pay a $500 fine to have your license re-instated.

For information on how to register your car in Indiana contact their Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). To get instant IN car insurance quotes click here.